Device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper for automatic copying machines

ABSTRACT

An automatic copying machine having therein a roll of photosensitive paper includes a device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper. This device has a detection lever which contacts with one side surface of the roll of photosensitive paper and pivots when the roll has run out. This pivotal movement of the detection lever is used as a detecting signal.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Yugoro Kobayashl;

Tsutomu Yamakaml, both of Tokyo, Japan [2]] Appl. No. 30,078

[22] Filed Apr. 20, 1970 [45] Patented Dec. 14, 197! [73] Assignee Rlcoh Co., Ltd.

Tokyo, Japan [32] Priority May 6, 1970 [33] Japan [54] DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE END OF ROLLED PIIOTOSENSITIVE PAPER FOR AUTOMATIC COPYING MACHINES 7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 200/6l.l6, 355/72 [5 1] Int. Cl B65h 25/14 [50] Field 0! Search .l 200/6l.l36l.i6;

[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS l',897,903 2/1933 Hopkins 242/57 UX 2,948,258 8/1960 Koechel 242/57 X 3,236,249 [1966 DAngelo 200/6l.l5

Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant ExaminerM. Ginsburg A!!0rneysHenry T. Burke, Robert Scobey, Robert S Dunham, P. E. Henninger, Lester W. Clark, Gerald W. Griffin, Thomas F. Moran, R. Bradlee Boal and Christopher C. Dunham ABSTRACT: An automatic copying machine having therein a roll of photosensitive paper includes a device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paperv This device has a detection lever which contacts with one side surface of the roll of photosensitive paper and pivots when the roll has run out. This pivotal movement of the detection lever is used as a detecting signal.

PATENTEDDEEMISYI cal-627,957

SHEET 1 [IF 3 FIG I DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE END OF ROLLED PIIO'IOSENSITIVE PAPER FOR AUTOMATIC COPYING MACHINES This invention relates to a device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper for automatic copying machines in which a web of photosensitive paper in roll form is mounted to be paid out and cut into sheets of a predetermined length for use in operation.

In performing a copying operation, the operator of an automatic copying machine is often faced with difficulties when the roll of photosensitive paper in his machine draws near its end. The end portion of any roll of photosensitive paper tends to be shorter than the predetermined length for the operation. When used for copying, such a shorter end portion is liable to get caught somewhere in the machine and cause ajam therein. In the case ofa diazo copying machine, only the material to be copied is forwarded to the developing section because the last sheet of photosensitive paper is not correctly aligned with the material to be copied in the separation section, resulting in the material being damaged or smeared in the developing section. In one system for obviating this problem known in the art, a mark is affixed to or an opening is formed in the rolled photosensitive paper in a position slightly anterior to its end and such mark or opening is sensed electrically or optically for transmitting a signal to the cutter mechanism or the like. Such system is not, however, without disadvantages. Means for reading the mark or opening is high in cost, and not a small space is required for mounting such readout means in the copying machine. An additional processing operation for affixing a mark to or forming an opening in the rolled photosensitive paper is required in producing the rolls. Thus, the system of affixing a mark or forming an opening tends to cause an increase in the production costs of not only the rolls of photosensitive paper but-also the copying machines.

The present invention provides a device which permits to detect the end of rolled photosensitive paper readily, positively and at an early stage without requiring to affix a mark to or form an opening at the end of rolled photosensitive paper. According to the present invention, there is provided a device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper for automatic copying machines which comprises a detection lever mounted for engagement with a side surface of the roll at the central portion thereof which detection lever is adapted to move in pivotal motion when the roll of photosensitive paper has run out for opening or closing a switch. The arrangement in which the detection is effected in the central portion of the roll of photosensitive paper as aforementioned permits to detect the end of the rolled photosensitive paper at an earlier stage than the arrangement in which a mark or an opening is detected in the web of paper being paid out from the roll. This ensured that the detection operation is carried out positively.

The device according to this invention eliminates the operation of affixing a mark to or forming an opening in the rolls of photosensitive paper produced. A light shield which is required in a device relying on the reflection of light rays is eliminated. Since the device according to this invention is mechanically operated, it operates positively and efficiently. Besides, it is low in manufacturing costs.

The detection lever engages a side surface of the roll of photosensitive paper in such manner that it lightly presses against the roll axially thereof. The nature of paper is such that it is essentially firm transversely and offers resistance to any pressure applied in this direction. Thus, the device according to this invention permits to positively detect the end of the rolled photosensitive paper even if the paper is small in thickness or there is only one convolution of web left in the roll.

In the present invention, the device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper for automatic copying machines further comprises an operation bar shiftably mounted in a shaft for supporting the roll which operation bar is adapted to move in shifting motion as the detection lever moves pivotally for opening or closing a switch. This arrangement permits to utilize a space in the supporting shaft as a passageway for transmitting signals, thereby making it possible to minimize the space required for mounting the detection device in a copying machine.

In the present invention, the device for detecting the end of rolled photosensitive paper for automatic copying machines may comprise an intermediate lever interposed between the detection lever and the operation bar in the shaft for supporting the roll and pivotally mounted at right angles to the detection lever to extend along the shaft so as to thereby accommodate variations in the width of them" of photosensitive paper.

Additional objects as well as features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description set forth hereinafter when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa roll of photosensitive paper for which the detection device according to this invention is used;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the detection device according to this invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the detection device of FIG. 2 shown in the state in which no roll is mounted in the copying machine; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified form of the detection device according to this invention as applied to a roll photosensitive paper having no core.

The invention will now be explained with reference to a preferred embodiment and its modified form. In FIG. I, there is shown a roll of photosensitive paper I wound on a core 2 which is formed with a cutout 3 at one end.

In FIG. 2, a supporting shaft 5 for mounting the roll of photosensitive paper thereon is rotatably supported by a machine frame 4. Secured to the shaft 5 is a support block 6 for both positioning the roll of photosensitive paper I on the shaft 5 and supporting the roll. A detection lever 7 is pivotally mounted at 8 in the support block 6 for engagement with a side surface of the roll of photosensitive paper I. A U-shaped lever 9 is pivotally mounted in the support block 6 in such manner that it is disposed at right angles to the detection lever 7 and maintained in engagement therewith. The U-shaped lever 9 has a lengthwise dimension such that the support block 6 can be moved along the shaft 5 to accommodate variations in the width of the roll of photosensitive paper I. Secured to the support block 6 is an adjusting projection I0 which is adapted to be received in the cutout 3 in the core 2 of the roll of photosensitive paper 1 so as to bring the cutout 3 into index with the detection lever 7.

Fitted in the shaft 5 at one end thereof is a sleeve H to which is pivotally connected at 13 a two-arm lever 12 which has one arm extending through an axial slit [4 formed in the shaft 5 to come into engagement with the U-shaped lever 9 and the other arm pivotally connected to an inner end of an operation bar 15 having an outer end which extends outwardly through a minor diameter portion of the sleeve II. The outer end of the operation bar 15 is normally maintained in contact with an actuator 17 ofa detection switch 16, the operation bar being urged inwardly at all times by the biasing force ofa compression spring I8. I9 is a mounting screw for mounting the support block 6 on the shaft 5.

The operation of the detection device constructed as aforementioned will now be explained. The resilient biasing force of the compression spring 18 which urges the operation bar I5 inwardly at all times acts. through the two-arm lever 12 and U- shaped lever 9, on the detection lever 7 so as to cause the detection lever to resiliently engage the side surface of the roll of photosensitive paper I. In this state, the outer end of the operation bar extends outwardly of the sleeve 11 to come into contact with the actuator 17 of the detection switch 16 and act thereon.

When there is no roll of photosensitive paper I wound on the core 2 as shown in FIG. 3, the detection lever 7 is moved to the right in pivotal motion so that the portion of the detection lever 7 which is maintained in engagement with the U- shaped lever 9 is moved upwardly. This renders the U-shaped lever 9 free to move upwardly by rotating about the pivot. Thus, the operation bar is moved inwardly or rightwardly as seen in FIG. 3 by the biasing force of the compression spring 18, thereby causing the two-arm lever 12 to rotate in an anticlockwise direction to move the lever 9 upwardly. This releases the outer end of the operation rod 15 from engagement with the actuator 17 of the detection switch 16 which is actuated to switch between electric circuits for operating, for example, a warning circuit and/or shutting off a cutting device. When all the roll of photosensitive paper 1 has run out, the shaft may be moved outwardly in the direction of an arrow 20 together with the support block 6 secured thereto and the detection device for mounting a new roll of photosensitive paper thereon. In this operation, a support block (not shown) on the other end of the shaft may be removed to permit the mounting of the new roll of photosensitive paper. Thus, the detection lever 7 is brought into engagement with a side surface of the new roll of photosensitive paper, with the outer end of the operation bar being moved outwardly or leftwardly. Thus, the shaft 5 and the detection device mounted therein are restored to their original positions in the machine. The outward movement of the operation bar 15 brings its outer end into contact with the actuator 17 of the detection switch 16 as shown in FIG. 2. Even if the new roll of photosensitive paper mounted on the shaft 5 has a width which differs from the width of the preceding roll of photosensitive paper 1 and causes the support block 6 to move along the shaft 5, there is no trouble caused in the operation of the device because the U'shaped lever 9 has a length sufficiently great to accommodate any variation in the width of the roll of photosensitive paper and come into contact with the two-arm lever 12 at all times.

FIG. 4 shows a modified form of the detection device shown and described above which is adapted for use with a roll of photosensitive paper having no core. This modified form of the detection device is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 except for the fact that the former has no adjusting projection 10. In the case of a roll of photosensitive paper having a core, the cutout 3 can be eliminated if the width of the core is smaller than the width of the roll of photosensitive paper wound thereon and the modified form of the detection device shown in FIG. 4 can be used with such roll.

What is claimed is:

l. A detection system for indicating the end ofa roll of web material being unwound on a rotating shaft, comprising:

a. a signal transmission system including:

i. means on said shaft supporting the roll for rotation therewith;

ii. detection means pivotally mounted on said supporting means and having engaging means for engaging a side surface of the roll near its center of rotation;

iii. means on said shaft including a spring for urging said detection means whereby said engaging means resiliently engages said side surface of the roll; and

b. signal means external to said shaft and actuated by said signal transmission system in response to the displacement of the detection means upon the loss of engagement with said side surface when the roll is exhausted.

2. A detection system as defined in claim I, wherein the urging means comprises an operation bar shiftably mounted in said shaft and the signal means comprises a control switch adjacent said shaft actuated by the movement of said operation bar.

3. A detection system as defined in claim 2, wherein said detection means comprises a detection lever mounted on said supporting means and an intermediate lever mounted on said supporting means at right angles to said detection lever for engagement therewith, and said urging means further comprises an operation lever mounted on a pivot secured to said shaft, having an arm for engagement with said intermediate lever, and another arm pivotally connected to said operation bar, for operation in said shaft to constitute a portion of said signal transmission system to said control switch.

4. A detection system as defined lll cla|m 3, wherein said signal transmission system includes a core member in said roll for mounting on said supporting means and having a cutout therein, an adjusting projection secured to said supporting means adjacent said detection lever and adapted to be received in the cutout in said core member, whereby said detection lever can be brought into index with said cutout.

5. A detection system as in claim 3 wherein said intermediate lever comprises an elongated member having one side slidably engaged by an arm of the detection lever and another side slidably engaged by said arm of the operation lever to permit operation of the signal transmission system with the supporting means mounted at different locations on said shaft.

6. A detection system as in claim 3, comprising means cooperating with said spring for urging said operation bar in the direction of said operation lever and means on said operation bar extending through the end of said shaft for engaging said control switch.

7. A detection system as in claim 1 wherein said web material is photosensitive paper for use in an automatic copying machine. 

1. A detection system for indicating the end of a roll of web material being unwound on a rotating shaft, comprising: a. a signal transmission system including: i. means on said shaft supporting the roll for rotation therewith; ii. detection means pivotally mounted on said supporting means and having engaging means for engaging a side surface of the roll near its center of rotation; iii. means on said shaft including a spring for urging said detection means whereby said engaging means resiliently engages said side surface of the roll; and b. signal means external to said shaft and actuated by said signal transmission system in response to the displacement of the detection means upon the loss of engagement with said side surface when the roll is exhausted.
 2. A detection system as defined in claim 1, wherein the urging means comprises an operation bar shiftably mounted in said shaft and the signal means comprises a control switch adjacent said shaft actuated by the movement of said operation bar.
 3. A detection system as defined in claim 2, wherein said detection means comprises a detection lever mounted on said supporting means and an intermediate lever mounted on said supporting means at right angles to said detection lever for engagement therewith, and said urging means further comprises an operation lever mounted on a pivot secured to said shaft, having an arm for engagement with said intermediate lever, and another arm pivotally connected to said operation bar, for operation in said shaft to constitute a portion of said signal transmission system to said control switch.
 4. A detection system as defined in claim 3, wherein said signal transmission system includes a core member in said roll for mounting on said supporting means and having a cutout therein, an adjusting projection secured to said supporting means adjacent said detection lever and adapted to be received in the cutout in said core member, whereby said detection lever can be brought into index with said cutout.
 5. A detection system as in claim 3 wherein said intermediate lever comprises an elongated member having one side slidably engaged by an arm of the detection lever and another side slidably engaged by said arm of the operation lever to permit operation of the signal transmission system with the supporting means mounted at different locations on said shaft.
 6. A detection system as in claim 3, comprising means cooperating with said spring for urging said operation bar in the direction of said operation lever and means on said operation bar extending through the end of said shaft for engaging said control switch.
 7. A detection system as in claim 1 wherein said web material is photosensitive paper for use in an automatic copying machine. 